Tag: Back In Black

It’s hard to believe that we have enjoyed the innovation that is Back In Black for 30 years. AC/DC had just started to heal from the major tragedy they faced in the loss of lead singer Bon Scott when they decided to press on. The band went into the studio with an established singer in his own right, one they were still trying to learn and understand. How AC/DC was able to put together a masterpiece like Back In Black is beyond me. Congratulations to the lads, they pulled off a beauty!

Back In Black is one of those rare albums that actually earns the title of a perfect album. Obviously opinions vary, but to me, a perfect album is one where you want to hear the next song as badly as you want to replay the last one. The songs never get old and no matter how many times you hear them, you will listen to the song when it’s on. That’s what makes a perfect album. Back In Black meets that criteria, so to me, it’s perfect.
From the opening chime of Hell’s Bells to the closing “yes!” of Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution, Back In Black is a classic. The songs also stand the test of time, being as relevant today as they were in 1980 when this album was released. The album is timeless and it’s hard to find a hard rock fan who doesn’t own at least one copy of this record in some format.Hells Bells opens the album with the chiming of the bell that rings out thirteen times. Angus Young’s guitar strums over the chiming bell and really starts to heat things up. By the time the drums kick in, it’s obvious that something special is happening. Brian Johnson then announces his vocals and the listener is stopped in his/her tracks. What is this unique, powerful voice? What is this wondrous music?

Every song on Back In Black is a hit. If AC/DC were to ever decide to perform one album in its entirety, this would have to be the one. Shoot To Thrill shows off the genius of Angus on guitar. What You Do For Money Honey, exemplifies Brian Johnson’s vocal talent. Every song is layered with complex rhythms made to appear simple. Ever song is a massive attack to the eardrums, a pleasure to the senses. Every song makes a statement.

You Shook Me All Night Long is obviously the most well known song on Back In Black, and it may be the best song on the album, but that’s debatable. Every song on this record contains the potential to be the best. When the band went into the studio to record this masterpiece, something special happened. They bonded together over their loss and they showed the world that they were still relevant and more powerful than ever.

It’s been cited that 22 million copies of Back In Black have been sold in the US, and that 49 million copies have been sold worldwide. However impressive, those numbers alone are not what makes Back In Black perfect. It’s the feeling in the music. It’s the sweat the band put down on vinyl. It’s producer “Mutt” Lange’s ability to push the gang to their limits and capture the incredible music. It’s all of those things and more – it’s the magic that was made in the studio.

For 30 years we have enjoyed Back In Black for the amazing piece of work that it is. I am certain that we will enjoy it for 30 more (and then some). New generations of fans will be rocking out to Back In Black long after the band (and us) are in our graves. That’s an album that stands the test of time. That’s a perfect record. That is Back In Black.

I couldn’t think of another release more appropriate to start up the new Classic Metal Reviews feature, than AC/DC’s. Back In Black.

Whether you like them or not, few band’s have experienced the level of success that AC/DC has achieved. AC/DC’s Back In Black has sold over 42 million units worldwide, making it one of the must successful releases in music history. Most bands would be happy if their entire catalog sold this amount.

After the death of Bon Scott, the band soldiered on. No one knew how this release would turn out. This is the band’s first disc featuring singer Brian Johnson. With Mutt Lange at the helm as producer, the band crafted their most popular release ever.

From the opening bells of Hells Bells, you know this is going to be a classic record. It is rare for me to listen to a whole CD all the way through, and not have a song or two that I don’t like. This is not the the case with Back in Black.

I love all of the songs on this disc, by my absolute favorites are Shoot To Thrill, Back In Black, You Shook Me All Night Long, Have A Drink on Me, and Shake a Leg.

This is a disc that stands up well, and does not sound dated in 2007. I can’t think of one thing I would change on this record.

It is a hard rock/metal landmark release that no collection should be without. If you don’t own this, what are you waiting for. 42 Million people can’t be wrong!

Rating:Out of 10

Track Listing:
1. Hells Bells
2. Shoot To Thrill
3. What Do You Do For Money Honey
4. Givin The Dog A Bone
5. Let Me Put My Love Into You
6. Back In Black
7. You Shook Me All Night Long
8. Have A Drink On Me
9. Shake A Leg
10. Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution